Work to Residence Visa
🇳🇿 New Zealand visas · Work
What it is
Residence pathway for workers with 24 months of experience in a Green List Tier 2 occupation in New Zealand. Requires current employment or a job offer from an accredited employer.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Indefinite (travel conditions expire after 2 years)
- Processing time
- See official page for current processing times
- Extendable
- No
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- Dependants
- Yes
- Age
- Under 56
- English requirement
- Required
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee
- NZD 6,450
Key requirements
- Aged 55 or younger
- 24 months prior work in a Green List Tier 2 role in NZ
- Current employment or job offer from an accredited employer
- Full-time, permanent or fixed-term role (minimum 12 months)
- Meet minimum pay rate for the Green List Tier 2 position
- Valid work visa for the preceding 24 months
- English language proficiency
- Meet health and character requirements
Working on this visa
Live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely
Bringing family
Partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 26 July 2026.